Michelin Clio Cup Kits Promise Big Bang For the Buck (Or the Pound, As It Were)

Well up on our list of cars we don't get here but would love to drive is Renault's Clio, specifically the current Renaultsport 200 version with its 197-hp, 1.6-liter turbo four and oh-so-French interior. And if we lived in the U.K., we'd be tempted to buy one of the older Renaultsport 197 or 200s and convert it for racing in the Michelin-sponsored Clio Cup Series. It's not exactly LeMons cheap, but if you already have a 197 or a 200, it's possible to put it on the track for a little more than £4745 (that's just about $7200 at today's exchange rates). The basic kit is £3760 ($5700) and comes from Monster Sport Europe. Included in that price is the front and rear suspension used on the Renaultsport R3 Access asphalt rally car, a proper race-car steering wheel and seat, a HANS-device-compatible safety harness, a cutout switch for the electric power, and a cat-back exhaust and special air filter for better engine breathing. There also are such bits as a competition clutch plate, Ferodo brake pads, a fire-extinguisher system, and padding for the roll cage. That's the other big-ticket item, just under $1500 for a complete bolt-in cage. Tires are naturally from the sponsor, Michelin, and are treaded Pilot Sport 3s. Comparison Test: 2013 Ford Focus ST vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI Comparison Test: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth vs. Mini John Cooper Works Instrumented Test: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R Oh, to be in England . . . racing a Clio at Silverstone or Donington Park or any of the English circuits that are fun to say—take your pick of Thruxton or Snetterton. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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